Electric switch



May 1, 1945. A. w. KRIEGER 2,374,868

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed May 26, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet l VllY191945.` lA.W.KRIEGER 2,374,868

ELECTRIC SWITCH -Filed May 26, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 man; 71/ laPatented May l, 1945 .asusta oFFIcE ELECTRIC SWITCH Alvin W. Krieger,Milwaukee, Wis., assignorl to Cutler-Hammer, Inc.. Mllwaukeavwis., acorporation of Delaware Application May Z6, 1943, Serial No. 488,489

Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric switches, and moreparticularly to electric snap switches of the multiple circuitcontrolling type. l

A primary object of the invention is to improve and simplify theconstruction and assembly of the parts and the operation of switches ofthe aforementioned character.

Another object is to provide such a switch which is extremely compact inconstruction yet rugged and absolutely reliable in operation.

Another object is to provide a multiple circuit controlling switchenabling use of the required or desired number of switch units ofidentical form.

. Another object is to provide a switch of the aforementioned characterwherein one or more of the switch units may readily be rendered of themomentary contact type.

Another object is to provide such a. switch wherein a single manuallyoscillatable lever is lemployed to effect and control operation of theseveral switch units.

- Another object is to provide novel and simple means for insuringagainst operation of more than one switch unit at a time.

Another object is to provide novel means for guiding and controlling themovementsof the single manually oscillatable lever of the switch.

Another object vis to provide novel means to facilitate bottom wiring ofthe complete switch.

Another object is to provide a combined contactor supporting andactuating unit, including novel means'for facilitating attachment of acircuit wire.

Another object is to provide a novel'form of pivotal support for thesingle manually operabl lever of the switch.

Another object is to provide a circuit controlling switch unit of novelform ,whereby wiping or sliding movement of the contactor with respectis susceptible of embodiment in other forms within the scope of theappended claims.

In the drawings',

Figure 1 is a top plan View of a multiple circuit controlling snapswitch constructed in accordance with my invention; the single manuallyoperable lever being shown in its intermediate, or om position.

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the switch shown in Fig. 1, illustratingthe form and arrangement of the bottom wiring terminals.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view, on the line 3-3 of Fig.1,1ooking in the direction of the arrows; certain of the switchingelements being shown in elevation.

Fig. 4 is a secuonn view substantially like that of Fig. 3, but with themanually oscillatable lever to its contact is insured during bothbreaking and.

making oi' the circuitl controlled thereby.

Another object is to provide a novel form of insulating base and novelmeans for retaining the switch units in assembled relationship thereto.

. Another object is to provide novel means for facilitating attachmentof the switch as a whole to a suitable support.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

in one of its extreme positions, with consequent 'positioning of thecontacter of one switch unit in circuit completing position.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the switch, with the metal cover plate andoperating lever and the insulating spacer member removed.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view, on the line 6-5 of Fig. l,looking in the direction of the arrows; all of the switch parts,including the manually oscillatable operating lever, being shown in ofiposition, and a slightly modified form of said lever being illustrated.

Fig. 'I is a View substantially similar to that of Fig. 5, but modiiiedby omission of the coiled tcrf sion springs associated with two of theswitch units, and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view, on the line 8-8 of Fig. 5,illustrating the manner of assembling the torsion springs with respecttp certain of the switch unitsv and the common insulating base orhousing of the multiple circuit controlling'switch.

Referring first to the device of Figs. 1 'to 6 and 8, the numeral I0designates a molded insulating base which is provided with an upwardlyopening main recess II (see Fig. 5), a pair of opposed auxiliaryrecesses I2 and I3, and a third auxiliary recess I4; all of saidauxiliary recesses communieating with said main recess Il and opening tothe upper surface of base I0.

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of theinvention which will now be described, it being understood that theinvention The switch illustrated is adapted to provide i'or completionof any one of three different circuits selectively, and to insureagainst completion of two or more of said circuits at the same time.Accordingly I prefer to provide in the bottom wall of the main recess IIa substantially square subrecess or depression I5 (Figs. 3 and 4) whichis adapted to snugly receive the correspondingly shaped lower end` of ablock I5 of metal of good electrical conductivity, such as brass. BlockI6 is provided with a reduced lower end I1 of cylindrical contour, andthe bottom wall of base I 0 is provided with a passage I8 of circularcross sec-v tion to accommodate end I1; the lower suriacev of saidbottom wall of the -base being provided with a'substanti'ally circularboss I8 to aiiord added thickness, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Block I8is provided at its upper end with a relatively wide and relatively deepdrilled countersink 28 (Fig. 4) to reduce the mass or weight thereof andto facilitate spot-welding of the contact tips to the outer surfacesthereof, as hereinafter described; and the end I1 is provided with arelatively small and relatively shallow drilled countersink I9 torestrain said plate against rotation relatively to the boss. Plate 25 isperforated to accommodate the. cylindrical end I1 of member I8, and thecountersunkportion of' said end is spun or upset over an annular oilset.portion of said plate. as shown in Fig. 4, to rigidly and permanentlysecure said parts to each other and to base I0. As willbe understood,plate serves as a common terminal for each of the three snap switchunits or mechanisms herein employed. The multiple circuit controllingswitch herein disclosed is preferably of relatively high currentcontrolling capacity, andI accordingly provide upon the three sides ofmember I8 respectively ""tobase I8, the lower end of slot 33 being shownI4, so that said end projects a predetermined distance below the lowersurface of base I8.

Recess I4 is slightly enlarged at its upper end. as shown at 3l in Figs.5 and 6; said enlargement including opposed vertical slot formations 32and 3 3 (F. ig. 5) which arerespectively adapted to accommodate a pairof laterally extending lugs 34 and 35 formed integrally with' said mainbody portion 28 and coplanar with the latter. Lugs 34 and 35 are adaptedto seat against the lowerlfends of slots 32 and 33 to limit the degreeof downward movement of portion 32 relatively atV in Fig. 6. Thearrangement is preferably opposite to the auxiliary recesses I2, I3 andI4 three like contact tips 26 which are' preferably formed from acomposition the main ingredient of which is silver. As shown in Figs. 5and 6 a rib 21 is formed integrally with the bottom and "bel-ls.

'I'he snap switch mechanisms positioned within the opposed auxiliaryrecesses I2 and I3 are shown as identical with each other. whereas themechanism within auxiliary recess I4 .is substantially like the othertwo, except that a relatively shorter main pivot pin is employed due tothe limited space available, with consequent omission of the coiledtorsion spring. c

The snap switch mechanism positioned within recess I4 will be described:it being understood that like parts of each switch mechanism have beendesignated by like numerals of reference. Thus each mechanism includes aone-piece punched and stamped sheet metal member com` posed of highlyconductive material.- such as f brass. The relatively long, flat mainbody portion of-said member is designated -by the numeral 28, the lowerend thereof preferably 'having a such lthat the upper end 31 of .prtion28 (see Fig. 6) is located substantially'fiush with the upper end ofbase I8. Also formed integrally with and extending laterally fromportion28, at the upper end thereofjare a pair of perforated lugs 38 and 38(Figs. 5 and 6), said vlugs being bent inwardly atl substantially rightangles to portion 28 into approximately parallel relationship to eachother.

The perforations in lugs 38 and 38 are adapted to freely receive a main(pivot pin 40, the opposite ends of which are preferably located inplanes substantially iiush with the outer surfaces of the respectivelugs'. Pin 48 penetrates a bearing opening of corresponding size formedin a molded insulating actuating lever 4I, said lever having moldedtherein a dat, punched metal member 42 (Fig. 6) having a. bearingopening 43 formed therein to likewise accommodate said pin and toreinforce the bearing opening in said lever. Member 42 has an integralportion extending downwardly from lever 4I, said portion being providedwith a rounded head 44 (Fig. 6) which is adapted to act as an abutmentfor a metal cup 45the convex portion of which is adapted to project intothe upper end of a coiled compression spring 46,'and the ilange of whichcup is adapted to seat against the nat upper end of said spring.

Pin 40 is adapted to be positioned between the opposed vertical sidewalls of recess I4 and is restrained against substantial endwisemovement by said walls. Lever 4II is provided with a second bearingopening above that aforedescribed, the metal insert 42 having anopeningof corresponding size. designated by numeral 41 in Fig. 6, toaccommodate an auxiliary pivot pin 48 the ends of which are positionedbetween the inner surfaces of the aforementioned lugs 38 and 39 toprevent substantial endwise displacement of pin 48.

49 designatesjthe contactor which is punched and stamped to the formillustrated from sheet metal of good conductivity. such as brass. Thelower end portion of contactar 48 is of substantially channel-form intransverse cross section,

the at connecting portion 50 having a. tip 26.

spot-welded, brazed or otherwise rigidly attached to the surface thereofwhich faces the ycontact tip 26 attached to thecorresponding surface ofblock I6. The upper end of connecting .portion 58 is formed asillustrated at 5I to form an.

abutment for the fiat lower end of spring 46.Vv The sides of thechannel-shaped portion of said contactor 48 are extendedupwardly in theforni of 'arms 52 and 53 (see Fig. 8) which are flared ing hook-shapedupper ends 54 and 55 which are respectively adapted to seat against theopposite ends of pin 48.

By reason of the aforementioned flare of amis vslightly relatively toeach other, said arms havlclearance between said parts. f As bestillustrated in Fig. B'member 2l is prefi ferably provided withanintegral portion I9 which 2,874,868 ends of the same are adapted for apredetermined "degreeof frictional engagement with the inner surfacesoflugs 39 and 3l to insure good electrical Bushing is preferably providedwith a convex f upper'eno wan 13mg. e) which is provided with engagementor contact between said parts. Neverthelessy such frictional engagementis not sumcient to substantially' interfere with the desired snapmovementof contactor 49 from each extreme position thereof t the otherunder the y bias of spring 49.

Lever 4I is provided at its lupper end with a transversely extendingupwardly opening notch yo r slot '59 of approximately V-form, to providerar lost-motion'driving connection between an operating lever and saidlever 4I. The portion 51 of lever 4I,at the inner side of notch 59, ispreferably of slightly greaterwidth than the distance tance between thehooked end portions I4 and 55 of contactor arms 52 and 53, to provideoscillatory movement of lever 4| which effects snap movement ofcontactor 49 to its circuit interrupting position illustrated.

The aforementioned operating` lever is preferably of the special formdesignated in general by the numeral 99 in Figs. l, 3 and 4 and by thenumeral 9| in Fig. 6. The lever 9| is provided at its upper end with acylindrical recess I2 to accommodate a brous pad and a hollowhemispherical glass lens 94 the inner surface of which is provided witha layer or coating 94x of fluorescent or luminescent material, asdesired. The' peripheral wall of recess I2 is spun inwardly overaportion of lens 94 to retain the latter in-assembled position. Levers80 and 8| are in other respects substantially identical with each otherand corresponding parts thereof have been desishated by like numeralsofreference. r I'hus each lever 60 and Il is provided with anapproximately spherical intermediate enlargement l5 which is providedwith a relatively large transverse opening or passage 8l which is adapt-`.ed tofreely receive a substantially cylindrical metal member or shaft81 which provides a supportabout which the lever is adapted tooscilylate. As show n in Fig. 6 the flat ends of member 91 are arrangedin flush-relationship to the cprposite ends of opening 89. Saidenlargement l5 v is located within ahollowmetal bushing I8. which isrigidly and non-rotatably secured to a substanan, abutment` to limit thedegree vof oscillatory tially flat metalcoverplatef. Thus plate il isprovided with a circular opening to receive the reduced lower end ofbushing 4l, said end being spun or upset outwardly over the innersurface of said plate, as shown at 1l, to permanently secure said partsto each other. In practicesaid reduced lower end of bushing 99 isprovided with Vla diametrically ,opposed pair ofkerfs orl slots intowhich a pair of lugs 1| and 12, partially sheared from and upwardlyoffsetwith respect to plate 89, 'are respectively adapted to nt, as.shown in vented.

ing Il relatively to plate 99 is positively prea pair of opposed slots14 and 1l, and a slot 1l extending in a direction at rightv angles tothe other slots. All of the slots 14, 1l and 1l communicate with eachother. and the same act jointly at the area common thereto to provide anopening of a size to permit free insertion of the handle 90 or 6Iupwardly therethrough, as illustratedinFig. 1.

Plate I9 is preferably of the six-sided shape thereof illustrated inFig. 1l, and bushing Il is rigidly and non-rotatably attached thereto inthe-relationship illustrated in said ligure. Plate il is so shaped toconform to the contour of the upper end of base I0 and of the moldedinsulating spacer member 11 interposed between the latter and plate 99.

As best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, bushing Il isl provided withdiametrically opposed openings 18 and 19 with countersinks torespectively accommodate the head and upset endof a pin I9 which acts asa pivotal support for member l1; the latter having an opening 8|extending diametrically therethrough to freely accommodate said pin.Also as shown' in Figs. 3 and 4, the lever enlargement Il is providedwith diametrically opposed kerfs l2 and 8l of arcuate form whichcommunicate with the aforementioned opening Il in said enlargement, andthus provide clearance between pin Il and lever 99 or Il uponoscillation of the latter in the plane of the axis or' length of saidThe lower end portion 84 of lever 80 (or 9|) is provided with a reducedextension 85, two sides of which are fiatted, as shown at 86 and 81; apunched and stampedbsheet metal member 98 having an opening (see Figs.3, 4 andG) to nonrotatably iit around said extension; and the lower endof extension being upset or riveted over the lower face of member 98 torigidly and permanently secure said parts to each other, as

shown at I9. Member 88 is provided with three integral arms, the outerend portions of which cone-shape is interposed between said member andthe lower surface of plate 99. The purpose of spring 93 is to insureagainst vibration or rattling of lever B and to bias the same to itsintermediate or neutral position (shown in Figs. 1, 3 and-6) when all ofthe switch'units are in Atheir circuit-interrupting positions. Spring 93thus acts, along with the several switch units, to insure such neutralpositioning of lever Il.' under the condition aforementioned, regardlessof the angle at which the switch as a whole is supported.

. The base lo has lmeloen therein Yand projecting upwardly therefromadjacent the four main corners thereof the hollow internally threadedlmembers 94 formed of a suitable metal, such as brass. The `hollowmolded insulating spacer member 11 has passages (not shown) extendingtherethrough to accommodate members 94, the upper Vends of whichlikewise penetrate alined openings in plate Gland are spun or upsetoutwardly over the latter, as shown at 94, to rigidly and permanentlysecure plate $9, -spacer 11 and base Il to each other.

As best illustrated in Fig. 1 the tapped upper other of its threeextreme positions).

end' 1mi-tites siii of'. members' si are adapted 'to accommdate.- thev'sh'anks oiscrews (not shown) in a switch like that mustrated in rig.'z wherein to provide for attachment o! .the switch asa whole toapan'elorother suitable support.

As lshown in Figs. 5 andl`6-I prefer to interpose 1 "between/the rearsurface of themember 28, within'recess Il, anditheopposed face of theslot-v forming recess 3l at the upper end of base I0 lbled relationshipto, base- I; as best-illustrated in' Figs. 3, 4 and s.

`The Aswitch. positioned' within auxiliary Ilarial l3 preferably aresubstantially jlikethat within'v recess Il, and the correspond-i ingparts of vall-oisaid units lare thereforedesigf nated by'like numerals.of reference. As best illustrated in Fig'. 5, however, the units,within recesses Il 'and I3 are each provided with amain j pivot pin 86of substantially greater length than' the main pivotv pin 40aforedescribed; the recesses:

'I2 andIs being. accordingly'provided with upwardlyopening pairs' of.opposed slots I2'-, 12b

and I Il, I Sb to accommodate the respective oppositejendswof pins 96.The extra length of P1115 Seis utilizedto provide for association witheach "oftheftwo switch units a coiled torsion spring`91,eacli'spring`9`| comprising a pair of coiled.v portionse'l! and 81hsurrounding the en ds of the respective pin 98; a'connecting portion 91positioned .atjthe outer suri'aceof the pox-tion` v51 of therespectiveactuating lever 4I and located be low the integral laterallyextending-lugs on said vportion Il, as best illustrated in Fig. 6.vTh'efree f ends 91d and `91 ofl the respective coils S'Iand 915 of-said torsion springs. are relatively long and'stralght withslightlyettips, best illus-A trated in Fig. 3; upwardly vopeningrecessesbeing provided in base I0 `tuaccommodate said coiled portions and thefree ends thereof, vas, best illustrated in Figs. 5 and 7. It willbeunderstood that when saidswitch units-are inserted intosrecesses I2andIl with their associated torsion springs 91 in assembledrelationshipthereto, said springs lall of th'e switch units are of the non-momentary.type in lboth their circuit completing and circuit `interruptingconditions, a similar result might be obtained by using switch units inrecesses I2 and I3 vcompletely identical with that in' recess Il;providedv that suitable blocks of insulating mate- Vrial orthe like areemployed to iill the recesses which accommodate the relatively longpivot pins 96; or the insulating base I0 might be provided i withauxiliary recesses corresponding to the' recesses I2 and I3, but of aform identical with the auxiliary recess Il.

. As aforeindicated, the arrangement of the auxiliary pivot pin 48 ofeach switch unit in eccentric vvore1atiim`-s'hip to the main pivot pinof lever 4I 'insures alifting or sliding action o! each conas .portionsof theswitchlunits'within the recesses I 2 and I3, to retain said unitsin properly assemtactor. tip with respect to'the tip of itsassociatedstationary contact prior to snap movement of the f :In Fievided at its perforated Vlower end with a bolt or contactor toitsdisengaged position. ,The prying or-lifting effect tlius provided isimportant in respect of preventingor overcoming any tend- -ency towardsticking or freezing of the contactor.

3 I have shown each member 28 proscrew 88 .which is adapted to clamp-acircuit i wirev (no t shown) thereto; each screw having associatedytherewith la threaded nut $9, which in turn' carries a member IIlIl ofber or the like for cooperation with the screw shank to insure againstaccidental loosening thereof.

It rwill bezapparent to those skiuea in the srt 'fthatth'e' switchaforedescribed may be modified by omission of one or two ofthe switchunits illustrated; in'whichrevent it is preferable to employ a bushing(corresponding to thatshown atti!) `but with thecorresponding one or twoofthe Vthree Slots N, 15 and -16 omitted, t0 1nsure proper guiding ofthe 'lever 60 or BI. Similarly, -it isA obvious that an insulating basesub- -statially like that shown at' I0 but of larger transversedimensions might be employed to pro- `vide a fourth auxiliary recessexactly like that shown at Il, whereby a fourth switch unit might belemployed. With such an arrangement, a

metal lmember corresponding'to that shown'at 1 88 but with another armand tip diametrically 'opposed tothe ltip 92 would vbe required, and abushing having a fourth slot. opposite to the slot 1G would be employed.

' Other modifications of will actl to overpower. the coiledivcompression l cult interruptingpositions (see Fig. 3). 11n re-v e Fig.4, itiis of vcourse to be understood that the lever Buis being manuallyl e communicating therewith, a plurality o! stationi ary. contacts'carried by said base within said' mainlrecess, a corresponding number ofoscillat- Thus in Fig. 7 I have shown both oi said units withsaid/torsion springs omitted; whereby each 0f the three Switch units isadapted tobe retained in either its circuit interrupting position (whenlever l0- or il is in its intermediate or neutral position) or in itscircuit completing position (when lever 80 is moved selectively to oneor an- As will be apparent to those skilled in the the devicesillustrated will. at once suggest themselves 'to those skilled `intheart.

interrupting positi'on',

' i auxiliaryrecesses, each contactor being associated I-claim: Y

1..'In a multiple circuitfcontrolling switch, in

combination, af moldedinsulating base having a recess and a plurality ofauxiliary recesses able'fcontactors mounted within the respective withone or said stationery contacts individually, actuating elementsindividual to the respective `contactors for effecting operation of thelatter entirely independently of each other whereby the same `areadapted for movement selectively into and out of engagement with'theindividual stationary contacts respectively associated therewith, commonoperating means for said contactors, said means comprising afmanuallyoscillatable lever adapted upon movement from one extreme positionthereof to another to transiently engage directly the actuating elementsof two ot associated stationary contact and subsequent engagement ofanother of said contactcrs with its associated stationary contact, saidlever being'Y also adapted upon movement thereof to an intermediateposition to insure disengagement of all of said contactors from theirassociated stationary contacts, and means including coiled compressionsprings individual to the respective actuating elements and contactcrsfor eiecting s'uch movements of the latter with a snap action.

2. In a multiple circuit controlling switch, in combination, a moldedinsulating base having a main recess and a plurality of auxiliaryrecesses communicating therewith, a plurality of stationary contactscarried by said base within said main recess, a corresponding number ofoscillatable contactcrs mounted within the respective auxil` laryrecesses, each contactor being associated with one of said contactsindividually, actuating elements individual to the respective contactcrsfor i eil'e'cting operation of the latter entirely independently of eachother whereby the same are adapted for movement selectively into and outof engagement with the individual stationary contacts respectivelyassociated therewith, common operating means for said contactcrs, saidmeans comprising a manually oscillatable lever adapted upon movement ina single piane from one extreme position thereof to another totranssiently engage directly the actuating elements of two of saidcontactcrs in sequence to thereby enact disengagement of one of saidcontactcrs from its associated stationary contact and sub sequentengagement of another of said contactcrs with its associated stationarycontact, said lever being also adapted upon movement thereof to anintermediate position tc insure disengagement of all of said contactcrsfrom their associated stationary contacts, means including coiledcompression springs lndividual 'to the respective actuating elementsandcontactcrs for electing such movements of the latter with a snap action,and said oscillatable lever being also movable in a different .planefrom said intermediate position to a third extreme position to effectengagement of another oi said contactcrs with its associated stationarycontact, said last mentioned contacter also having a coiled compressionspring interposed between the same and the actuating element associatedtherewith to insure engaging and disengaging movements thereof with asnap action.

3. In a multiple circuit controlling switch, in combination, a moldedinsulating base having a main recess and a plurality of auxiliaryrecesses communicating therewith, a plurality of stationary contactscarried by said base within said main recess, a corresponding number ofoscillatable contactcrs mounted within the respective auxiliaryrecesses, each contacter being associated with one oi' said stationarycontacts individually, actuating elements individual to the respectivecontactors for electing operation of the latter entirely independentlyof each other whereby the same are adapted for movement selectively intoand out of engagement with the individual stationary contactsrespectively associated therewith, common operating means for saidcontactcrs, said means comprising a single manually oscillatable leveradapted upon movement from one extreme position thereof to another totransiently engage directly the actuating elements of two of saidcontactors in sequence yto thereby effect disengagement of one of saidcontactcrs from its associated stationary contact and subsequentengagement of another of said contactors with its associated stationarycontact, said member being also adapted upon movement y thereof to anintermediate position to insure disengagement of all of said contactcrsfrom their associated stationary contacts, means including coiledcompression springs individual to the respective actuating elements andcontactors for effecting such move-I ments of the latter with a snapaction, said oscillatable lever being also movable in a different planefrom sai ,intermediate position to a third extreme posit'o to effectengagement of another of said contactors with its associated stationarycontact, said last mentioned contactor also having a coiled compressionspring interposed between the same and the actuating element associatedtherewith to insure engaging and disengaging movements thereof with asnap action, and a wiring terminal element common to all of saidstationary contacts.

4. In a multiple circuit controlling switch, in combination, a moldedinsulating base having a main recess and a plurality of auxiliaryrecesses communicating therewith, a plurality of stationary contactscarried by said base within said main recess, a corresponding number ofoscillatable contactcrs mounted within the respective auxiliaryrecesses, each contacter being associated with one of said stationarycontacts individually, actuating elements individual to the respectivecontactcrs for eiecting operation of the latter entirely independentlyof each other whereby the same are adapted for movement selectivelyvinto and out of engagement with the individual stationary contactsrespectively associated therewith, common operating means for saidcontactcrs, said means comprising a single manually oscillatable leveradapted upon movement from one extreme position thereof to another totransiently engage directly the actuating elements of two of saidcontactcrs in sequence to thereby eiect disengagement of one of saidcontactcrs from its associated stationary contact and subsequentengagement of another' of said contactcrs with its associated stationarycontact, said lever being also adapted upon movement thereof to anintermediate position to insure disengagement of all of said-contactcrsfrom their associated stationary contacts, means including coiledcompression springs individual to the respective actuating elements andcontactcrs I'or effecting such movements of the latter with a snapaction, said oscillatable lever being also movable in a diierent planefrom said intermediate position to a third extreme position to eiectengage- ',ment of another of said contactcrs with its associatedstationary contact, said last mentioned contacter also having a coiledcompression spring interposed between the same and the actuating elementassociated therewith to insure engagingr land disengagng movementsthereof with a snap action, a wiring terminal element common to all ofsaid stationary contacts, and wiring terminal elements individual to therespective contactcrs, all of said wiring terminal elements beingexposed and readily accessible at the outer surface of said insulatingbase.

5. In an electric snap switch mechanism, in combination, a moldedinsulating base having a main recess and a plurality of auxiliaryrecesses communicating therewith, a plurality of stationary contactsmounted upon said base within said main recess, a corresponding numberof contactcrs pivotally supported relatively to said base tivelyassociated therewith, a. manually operable lever pivotally supported ina manner to provide for oscillatory movement thereof in any directionrelatively to said base, said last mentioned lever having means rigidlyattached thereto and adapted for cooperative lost motion engagement witheach of said actuating levers individually upon oscillatory movement ofsaid operating lever in diierent predetermined directions selectivelyfrom an intermediate position thereof, and guide means associated withsaid operating lever to limit the same to forward and return movement inany one of said predetermined directions prior to oscillatory movementthereof in another of said directions, whereby simultaneous operation oftwo or more of said contactors is positively prevented.

6. In an electric snap switch mechanism, in

" combination, a molded insulating base having a,

main recess and a plurality of auxiliary recesses communicatingtherewith, a plurality of station ary contacts mounted'upon said basewithin said main recess, a corresponding number of contactors pivotallysupported relatively to said base within the respective auxiliaryrecesses, a pivoted actuating lever and a coiled compression springindividual to each contactor to provide for snap movement of the latterinto and out of yengagement with the stationary contact respectively associated therewith, a manually operable lever pivotally supported in amanner to provide for oscillatory movement thereof in -any directionrelatively to said base, said last mentioned lever having means rigidlyattached thereto and adapted for cooperative lost motion engagement witheach of said actuating levers individually upon oscillatory movement ofsaid operating lever in different predetermined directions selectivelyfrom an intermediate position thereof, guide means associated with saidoperating lever to limit the same to forward and return movement in anyone of said predetermined directions prior to oscillatory movementthereof in another of said directions, whereby simultaneous operation,

of two or more of said contactors is positively prevented, and saidoperating lever when in its intermediate position providing fordisengagement of all of said contactors from respectively associatedtherewith.

7. In an electric snap switch mechanism, in combination, ,a moldedinsulating base having a main recess and a plurality of auxiliaryrecesses communicating therewith, a plurality of stationary contactsmounted upon said base within said main recess, a corresponding numberof contactors pivotally supported relatively to said base within therespective auxiliary recesses, a pivoted actuating lever and a coiledcompression spring individual to each contacter to provide for snapmovement of the latter into and out of n engagement with the stationarycontact respectively associated therewith, a manually operable leverpivotally supported in a manner to providey for oscillatory movementthereof in any direction relatively to said base, said last mentionedlever` having means rigidly attached thereto and adapted for cooperativelost motion engagement with each of said' actuating levers individuallyupon oscillatory movement of said operating lever in at least threedifferent predetermined 'directhe contacts additional spring meansassociated with at least another of said directions, wherebysimultaneous operation of two or more of ksaid contactors is positivelyprevented, said operating lever when in its intermediatepositionproviding for disengagement of all of said contactors from thecontacts respectively associated therewith, each of said coiledcompression springs normally acting respectively upon movement of saidoperating lever in a given direction -to one extreme position thereof to`effect retention of the latter in such position and engagement of itsassociated contactor with its respective stationary contact, and

one of said actuating levers and adapted to overpower the respectivecompression spring to thereby bias its associated contacter todisengaged position and permit return of said operating lever to itsintermediate position upon manual release of the latter.

8. In an electric switch, in combination, a metal cover plate having anopening formed therein, a hollow metal bushing having a reduced lowerend projecting downwardly through said opening and upset over the lowersurface of said plate in a manner to rigidly and non-rotatably securethe former to the latter, the upper end of said bushing being partiallyl.closed but the same having a multiplicity of slots formed therein andextending radially from the 'center thereof, a lever the upper endportion of which is freely insertable upwardly through the centralportion of the opening formed by said slots jointly, each of said slotsbeing of a size to provide clearance for said portion of said lever toguide and limit the same to oscillatory movement in a given plane, saidlever having an enlargement adapted to movably fit within said bushingbelow said upper end of the latter, said enlargement having a relativelylarge transverse opening formed therein,

through said last mentioned opening and supported at its opposite endsby said bushing, said cut away portions of said enlargement affordingclearance for said lever upon oscillation of the latter in a planeparallel to the axis ofA said pivot 9. In an electric switch, incombination, a metal cover plate having an opening formed therein, ahollow metal' bushing having a reduced lower end projecting downwardlythrough said opening and upset over the lower surface of said plate in amanner to rigidly and non-rotatably secure the former to the latter, theupper end of said bushing being partially closed but the same having amultiplicity of slots formed therein and extending radially from thecenter thereof, a lever the upper end portion of which is freelyinsertable upwardly through the central portion of the opening formed bysaid slots jointly, each of said slots being of a size to provideclearance for said portion of said lever to guide and limit the same tooscillatory movement in a given plane, said lever having an enlargementadapted to movably lt within said bushing below said upper end o! thelatter, said enlargement havinga relatively large transverse opening ofcircular cross section 'formed therein, a substantially cylindricalmetal member freely rotatable within said opening. said metal membervhaving a relatively small opening extending diametrically therethrough,said lever enlargement being cut away on opposite sides thereof at rightangles to said opening therein to afford accss to said opening-in saidmetal member, and a pivot pin i'freely insertable through said lastmentioned opening and supported at its opposite ends by said bushing,said cut away portions of said enlargement affording clearance for saidlever upon oscillation of the latter in any plane.

10. In an electric switch, in combination, a metal cover plate having anopening formed therein, a hollow metal bushing having a reduced lowerend projecting downwardly through said opening and upset over the lowersurface of said plate in a manner to rigidly and non-rotatably securethe former to the latter, the upper end of said bushing being partiallyclosed but the saine having a multiplicity of slots formed therein andextending radially from the center thereof, a lever the upper endportion of which is freely insertable upwardly through the centralportion of the opening formed by said slots joint being of a size toprovide clear e for said portion of said lever to guide and it the sameto oscillatory movement in a given plane, said lever having anenlargement adapted Ato movably :dt

, each of said slots within said bushing below .said upper end of thelatter', said enlargement having a relatively large transverse openingof circular cross section formed therein, a substantially cylindricalmetal member freely rotatable within said opening,'said metal memberhaving a relatively small opening extending diametrically therethrough,said lever enlargement being cut away on opposite sides thereof at rightangles to said opening therein to aord access to said opening in saidmetal member, and a pivot pin positioned within said last mentionedopening and supported at its opposite ends `by said bushing, said metalmember and said cut away portions of said enlargement cooperating withsaid pivot pin to afford universal movement of said lever relatively tosaid bushing except as limited by the aforementioned slots.

ll. In a device of the character described, in combinatiom a hollowmetal bushing, a metal lever having a substantially sphericalenlargement intermediate the ends thereof adapted to oscillatably fitwithin said bushing, said enlargement having a relatively large circularopening extending diametrically therethrough, a pair of opposed arcuatekeris formed in said enlargement in a plane at right angles to the axisof said opening and communicating with the latter, a substantiallycylindrical metal member positioned within said opening and adapted toform a pivotal support for said lever, said member having a relativelysmall circular opening extending diametrically therethrough at themid-length thereof, said bushing having diametrically opposed openingsformed therein, anda pivot pin penetrating said last mentioned openingsand said metal member formed at the lower end thereof to provide i'orattachment of a circuit wire, a pair of perforated lugs formedintegrally with said member at the upper end thereof, said lugs beingbent inwardly at substantially right angles to the main body of saidmember, a molded insulating actuating lever having a substantiallycircular passage extending transversely therethrough, a

, pivot pin positioned within said passage and havextending transverselytherethrough, a pivot pin relatively small opening, to thereby provide apivotal support forsaid metal member and to act as an alternativepivotal support for said lever, the aforementioned kerfs formed in saidenlargement being adapted to accommodate said pivot pin and to provideclearance between the latter and said lever.

12. In an electric snap switch, a punched sheet ing bearing engagementwith the perforations in said lugs, said lever being formed at the upperend thereof to provide for cooperative engagement therewith of asuitable operating member, said lever having an abutment at the lowerend thereof, said' lever also having a second substantially circularpassage extending transversely therethrough above the passage rstmentioned, a second pivot pin positioned within the second mentionedpassage. the ends of said second pin being located between said lugs andrestrained by the latter against substantial endwise displacement, an.oscillatable contacter comprising a sheet metal member having a pair ofdat substantially parallel side arms, the upper ends of said arms beinghook-shaped for pivotal engagement thereof with said second pin, saidcontacter having a portion integrally connecting said arms below theupper ends thereof, an abutment formed on said contacter, and a coiledspring interposed under compression between said last mentioned abutmentand said lever abutment to bias said contractor to one extreme positionor the other ac- `cording to the position of said lever.

inwardly at substantially right angles to the mainbody of said member, amolded insulating actuating lever having a substantially circularpassage positioned within said passage and having bearing engagementwith the perforations in said lugs, said lever hein-g formedat the upperend thereof to provide for cooperative engagement therewith of asuitable operating member, said lever having an abutment at the lowerend thereof, said lever also having a second substantially circularpassage extendin'g transversely therethrough above the passage iirstmentioned, a second pivot pin positioned Within the second mentionedpassage, the ends of said second pin being located between said lugs andrestrained by the latter against substantial endwise displacement, anoscillatable contactor comprising a sheet metal member having a pair offiat substantially parallel side arms, the upper ends of said arms beinghook-shaped for pivotal engagement thereof with said second pin, saidcontacter having a portion integrally connecting said arms below theupper ends thereof, an abutment formed on said contactor, and a coiledspring interposed under compression between said last mentioned abutmentand said lever abutment to bias said contactor to one extreme positionor the other according to the position of said lever, the arms of saidcontactor having a predetermined degree of frictional engagernent withthe inner surfaces of the respective lugs, to thereby insure a goodelectrical con- Y passage, the ends of sides of` portion having anopening end of said body portion,

portion havingan opening formed therein to facilitate attachment of acircuit wire, a pair-of perforated lugs formed lintegrally with theupper end of said body portion, saidlugs being bent inwardly intosubstantially parallel relationship to each other, a molded insulatingactuating lever having a pair of upper and lower substantially lcircular passages-extending transversely therethrough, a pivotpinpositioned within the lower said pin having bearing engagement with theperforations in said lugs, a relatively shorter pivot pin positionedwithin the upper passage, the ends of said shorter pin being locatedbetween said lugs and restrained by the latter against substantialendwise displacement, a punched and stamped sheet metal contactor thelower end portion of which is of approximately channel-shape intransverse cross section, the said channel being extended upwardly toprovide substantially parallel arms with hookshaped upper ends forpivotal engagement with the ends of said second pin, an abutment formedat the upper end of said channel portion, and a coiled compressionspring interposed between said last mentioned abutment and said leverabutment to bias said contacter to move with a snap action from eachextreme position thereof to the other upon corresponding movements vofsaid actuating lever.'

15. In an electric snap switch, a punched and stamped sheet metal memberhaving a relatively long, fiat body portion, the lower end of said bodyformed therein to facilitate attachment ofA a circuit wire, a pair ofperforated lugs formed integrally with the upper said lugs being bentinwardly into substantially parallel relationship to each other, amolded insulating actuating lever 1 having a pair of upper and lowersubstantially circular passages extending transversely therethrough, apivot pin positioned within the lower passage, the ends of said pinhaving bearing engagement with the perforations in said lugs, arelatively shorter'pivot pin positioned within the upper passage, theends of said shorter pin being located between said lugs and restrainedby the.

through, aI pivot pin positioned within the lower passage, the ends ofsaid pin having bearing engagement with the perforations in said lugs, arelatively shorter pivot pin positioned within the upper passage, theends of said shorter pin being located between said lugs and restrainedby the latter against substantial endwise displacement, a

punched and stamped sheet metal contactor the lower end portion of whichis of approximately ,channel-shape in transverse cross section, thesides of said channel being extended upwardly to provide substantiallyparallel arms with hookshaped upper ends for pivotal engagement with theends of'said second pin, an abutment formed at the upper end of saidchannel portion, a coiled compression spring interposed'between saidlast mentioned abutment and said lever abutment to bias said contactorto move with a snap action from each extreme position thereof to theotherupon corresponding movements of saidv actuating lever, saidactuating lever vhaving a flat sheet metal member molded therein as aninsert, said insert having openings formed therein in alinement withsaid passages to provide for reinforcement of the walls of the latterwith respect to said pivot pins, and a portion of said insert extendingY- downwardly a substantial distance beyond said lever to provide theaforementioned abutment on the latter.

having a pair of upper and lower substantially circular passagesextending transversely therethrough, a' pivot pin positioned Within thelower passage, the ends of said pin having bearing engagement with theperforations in saidlugs, a

'relatively shorter pivot pin positioned within the latter againstsubstantial endwise displacement, a Y.

punched and stamped sheet metalcontactor the end portion of which is ofapproximately channel-shape in transverse cross section, the sides ofsaid channel being extended upwardly to provide substantially parallelarms with hookshaped upper ends for pivotal engagement` with the ends ofsaid second pin, an abutment formed at the upper end of said channelportion, a coiled compression spring interposed between said lastmentioned abutment and said lever abutment to bias said contactorto movewith a snap action from each extreme position thereof to the other uponcorresponding movements of said actuating' lever, andv said actuatinglever having an upwardly upper passage, the ends of said shorter pinbeing located between said lugs and restrained by the latteragainstsubstantial endwise displacement, a punched and stamped sheetmetal contactor the lower end portion ofy which is of ap- ,proximatelychannel-shape in transverse cross ment `With opening notch formedtherein for cooperative engagement therewith of an oscillatableoperating lever of suitable form. t e

16. In an electric snap switch, a punched and stamped sheet metal memberhaving a relatively long, nat body portion, the lower end of said bodyportion having an opening formed therein to facilitate attachment of acircuitwire, a' pair of perforated lugs formed integrally with the upperend o f said body portion, said lugs being bent inwardly intosubstantially parallel relationship to each other, a molded insulatingactuating lever having a pair of upper and lower substantially circularpassages extending transversely theresection, the sides of saidchannelbeing extended upwardly to provide-substantially parallel arms withhook-shaped upper ends for pivotal engage` the ends of said second pin,an abutment formed at the upper end of said channel portion, a coiledcompression spring interposed between said lastmentioned abutment andsaid lever abutment to bias said contacter to move with a snap actionfrom `each extreme position thereof to the other upon correspondingmovem'ents of said actuating lever, said actuating lever having a atsheet metal member molded therein as an insert, said insert havingopenings formed therein in alinement with said passages to provide forreinforcement of the walls of the latter with respectto said pivot pins,a portion of said insert extending downwardly a substantial distancebeyond said lever to provide thefaforementioned abutment on the latter,said contacenvases contact tip prior to disengagement of the former fromthe latter.

18. In an electric snap switch, a punched and stamped sheet metal memberhaving a relatively long, at body portion. the lower end of said bodyportion having an opening formed therein to facilitate attachment of acircuit wire, a pair of perforated lugs formed integrally with the upperend of said body portion, said lugs being bent inwardly intosubstantially parailel relationshi to each other, a molded insulatingactuatinf le. having a. pair of upper and lower substai. circularpassages extending transversely ti through, a pivot pin positionedwithin the lower passage, the ends orsaid pin having bearing engagementwith the perforations in said a relatively shorter pivot pin positionedupper passage, the ends `of said shorter p located between said lugs andrestrained cy latter against substantial endwise displacement, a punchedand stamped sheet niet-al contacter the lower end portion of which is orapproxici a pair of perforated lugs bent inwardly into matelychannel-shape in transverse cross section,

the sides of said channel being extended up wardly to providesubstantially parallel arms with hook-shaped upper ends for pivotalengagement with the ends of said second pin, an abutment formed at theupper end of said channel portion, a coiled compression springinterposed between said last mentioned abutment and said lever abutmentto bias said contactor to move with a snap action from each extremeposition thereof to the other upon corresponding movements of saidactuating lever, said actuating lever having a at sheet metal membermolded therein as an insert, said insert'having openings formed thereinin alinement with said passage to provide for reinforecement. of thewalls of the latter with respect to said pivot pins, n ,portion of saidinsert extending downwardly a substantial distance beyond said lever toprovide the aforementioned abutment on the latter, said contactor havinga silver base tip rigidly attached to the lower end' portion thereof forcooperation with a stationary contact of suitable form, and said upperpivot pin being arcuately movable relatively'to said lower pin to insurea wiping or sliding action of said contacter tip relatively to thestationary contact as an incident to engagement or disengagement of theformer with respect to the latter.

19. A multiple circuit controlling switch comprising a molded insulatingbase having a main recess opening to the upper surface thereof, aplurality of auxiliary recesses located at diierent sides of said mainrecess and communicating with the latter. a metal block secured to thelower surface of said main recess and having a contact area facing eachof said auxiliary recesses, said block having a Wiring terminal portionexposed at the lower surface of said base, each of said auxiliaryrecesses having a substantially rectangular opening in the lower endwall thereof, a contacter supporting and actuating mechanism locatedwithin each of said auxiliary recesses, each mechanism comprising apunched and stamped sheet metal member of high electrical conductivity,said member having a relatively long, dat main body portion theperforated lower end of which is adapted to extend downwardly throughthe respective recess opening to provide for attachment of a circuitwire, said main body portion having coplanar lugs extending fromopposite sides thereof and said base having ledges against which saidlugs are adapted to seat, said main body portion having at the upper endtheresubstantially parallel relationship to each other, a moldedinsulating actuating lever positioned etvfeen said perforated lugs, apivot pin penesaid last mentioned lugs and said lever to pivotal supportfor the a con pivotally supported by said lever in eccentricrelationship to pivotal support of the latter, and a coiled compressionspring interposed between said iever Said contacter to effect nerespective conteo .ca 'i corresponding movements ci the iol., 3:.

circuit controlling switch prising ainolded insulating base having a lcesses, said bloclr having a wiring terminal portion exposed at thelower surface of said base, each of said auxiliary recesses having asubstantially rectangular opening in the lower end wall thereof, acontacter supporting and actuating mechanism located within each of saidauxiliary recesses, each mechanism comprising a punched and stampedsheet metal member of high electrical conductivity, said member having arelatively long, fiat main body portion the perforated lower end ofwhich is adapted to extend downwardly through the respective recessopening to provide for attachment of a circuit wire, said main bodyportion having coplanar lugs 'extending from opposite sides thereof andsaid base Y having ledges against which said lugs are adapted to seat,said main body portion having at the upper end thereof a pair ofperforated lugs bent inwardly into substantially parallel relationshipto each other, a molded insulating 'actuating lever positioned betweensaid perforated lugs, a pivot pin penetrating said last mentioned lugsand said lever to aiiord a pivotal support for the latter, acontactorpivotally supported by said lever in an eccentric relationshipto said pivotal support of the latter, a coiled compression springinterposed between said levervand rsaid contactor to effect snapmovements of the latter into and out of engagement with the respectivecontact area of said block upon corresponding movements of the former,each of said levers having'an upwardly opening notch formed therein, anda single manually operable lever pivotally supported relatively 4to saidbase for cooperative engagement with said rst mentioned leversselectively, said manually operable lever` having guide means associatedtherewith todnsure return of each of said first `mentioned levers to agiven eX- treme position thereof prior to cooperative engagement ofanother of the same by said manually operable lever.

2l. A multiple circuit controlling switch comprising a molded insulatingbase having a main recess opening to the upper surface thereof, aplurality of auxiliary recesses located at different Y sides of saidmain recess and communicating with said block having a wiring terminalportion exposed at the lower surface of said base, each of saidauxiliary recesses having a substantially rectangular opening in thelower-'end wall thereof, a contacter supporting and actuating mechanismlocated within each of said auxiliary recesses, each mechanismcomprising a punched and stamped sheet metal member of high electricalconductivity, said member having a relatively long, flat main bodyportion the perforated lower end of which is adapted to extenddownwardly through the respective recess opening to provide forattachment of a circuit wire, said main body portion having coplanarlugs extending from opposite sides thereof and said base having ledgesagainst whichlsaid lugs are adapted to seat, said main body portionhaving at the upper end thereof a pair of perforated lugs bent inwardlyinto substantially parallel relationship to each other, a moldedinsulating actuating lever positioned between said perforated lugs, apivot pin penetrating said last mentioned lugs and said lever to aord apivotal support for the latter, a contactor pivotally supported by saidlever in an eccentric relationship to said pivotal support of thelatter, a coiled compression spring interposed between said lever andsaid contacter to effect snap `movements of the latter into and out ofmentioned levers to a given extreme positionl thereof prior tocooperative engagement of another of the same by said manually operablelever, the supporting means for said manually operable lever comprisinga metal cover plate, a

molded insulating spacer member interposed between said -cover plate andsaid base, said spacer member overlying each of said stamped sheet metalmembers to retain all of the Asaine in assembled relationship to saidbase, and means common to said base, said spacer and said cover platefor retaining the same in assembled relationship to each other.

22. A multiple circuit controlling switch comprising a molded insulatingbase having a main recess opening to the upper surface thereof, aplurality of auxiliary recesses located at different sides of said mainrecess and communicating with the latter, a metal block secured to thelower surface of said main recess and having a contact area facing eachof said auxiliary recesses, said block having a wiring terminal portionexposed at the lower surface of said base, each of said auxiliaryrecesses having a substantially rectangular opening in the lower endwall thereof, a contactor supporting and actuating mechanism locatedwithin each of said auxiliary recesses. each mechanism comprising apunched and stamped sheet metal member of high electrical conductivity,said member having a relatively long, flat main body portion theperforated lower end of which is adapted to extend downwardly throughthe respective recess opening to provide for attachment of a circuitwire, said main body portion having coplanar lugs extending fromopposite sides thereof and said base having ledges against which saidlugs are adapted to seat, said main body portion having at the upper endthereof a pair of perforated lugs bent inwardly into substantiallyparallel relationship to each other,

2,374,ses

a molded insulating actuating lever positioned between said perforatedlugs, a pivot pin penetrating said lastl mentioned lugs and said leverto afford a pivotal support for the latter, a contactor pivotallysupported by said lever in an eccentric relationship to said pivotalsupport of the latter, a coiled compression spring interposed betweensaid lever and said contacter to effect snap movements of the latterinto and out of the respective contact area of said block uponcorresponding movements of the former, each of said levers having anupwardly opening notch formed therein, a single manually operable leverpivotally supported relativelyto said base for cooperative engagementwith said first mentioned levers selectively, said manually operablelever having guide means associated therewith to insure return of eachof said first mentioned levers to a given extreme position thereof priorto cooperative engagement of another of the same by said manuallyoperable lever, the supporting means for said manually operable levercomprising a metal cover plate, a molded insulating spacer memberinterposed between said cover plate and said base, said spacer memberoverlying each of said stamped sheet metal members to retain all of thesame in assembled relationship to said base, and means common to saidbase, said spacer and said cover plate for retaining the same inassembled relationship to each other, said last mentioned means alsoacting to facilitate attachment of the switch as a whole to a suitablesupport. p

23. In an electric snap switch mechanism, in combination, a moldedinsulating base having a main recess and a plurality of auxiliaryrecesses communicatingl therewith, a plurality of stationary contactsmounted upon said base withinsaid main recess, a corresponding number ofcontactors pivotally supported relativelyto said base within therespective auxiliary recesses, a pivoted actuating lever and a coiledcompression spring individual to each contacter to provide for snapmovement of the latter into and out of engagement with the stationarycontact respectively associated therewith, a manually operable leverpivotally supported in a manner to provide for oscillatory movementthereof in any direction relatively to said base, said last mentionedlever having means rigidly attached thereto and adapted for cooperativeengagement with each of said actuating levers individually uponoscillatory movement of vsaid operating lever in different predetermineddirections` selectively from an intermediate position thereof, guidemeans associated with said operating lever to limit the same to forwardand return movement in any one of said predetermined directions prior tooscillatory,

contact, said manually operable lever having a' coiled compressionspring associated therewithl to normally effect neutral or centeredposition thereof when each of said contactors is 1n its circuitinterrupting position, and meansv com prising coiled torsion springsrespectively associated with at least two of said actuating levers toinsure automatic return of their respectively associated contactors tocircuit interruping position and to likewise permit return of saidmanually operable lever to its neutral or centered position upon manualrelease of the same.

24. In a multiple circuit controlling switch, in combination, a moldedinsulating base, having a main recess and a plurality of auxiliaryrecesses communicating therewith, a plurality of stationary contactscarried by said base within said main recess, a corresponding number ofoscillatable contactors associated with said contacts and respectivelysupported within said auxiliary recesses, actuating means individual tothe respective contactors for eiecting operation of the latter entirelyindependently of each other Whereby the same are adapted for movementselectively into and out of engagement `with the stationary contactsrespectively associated therewith, common operating means for saidcontactors, said means comprising a manually oscillatable lever adaptedupon movement from one extreme position thereof to another totransiently engage the actuating elements of two of said contactors insequence to thereby eiect disengagement of one of said contactors fromits associated stationary contact and subsequent engagement of anotherof said contactors with its associated stationary contact, said leverbeing also adapted upon movement thereof to an intermediate position toinsure disengagement of all of said contactors from their associatedstationary contacts, and means including coiled compression springsindividual to the respective actuating elements and contactors foreiecting such movements of the latter with a snap action.

25. In a multiple circuit controlling switch, in

combination, a molded insulating base having a Imain recess and aplurality of auxiliary recesses communicating therewith, a plurality ofstationary contacts carried by said base within said main recess, aplurality of oscillatable contactors also carried by said base Withinthe respective auxiliary recesses, actuating elements individual to therespective contactors for effecting operation of the latter entirelyindependently of each other whereby the same are adapted for movementselectively into and out of circuit completing relationship to thestationary contacts respectively associated therewith, common operatingmeans for said contactors, said means comprising a manuallyIoscillatable lever adapted upon movement in a single plane from oneextreme position thereof to another to transiently engage the actuatingelements of two of said contactors in sequence to thereby effectinterruption of a circuit by one of said contactors and subsequentcompletion of a circuit by another of said contactors, said lever beingalso adapted upon movement thereof to an intermediate position to insurecircuit interrupting positioning of all of said contactors with respectto their associated stationary contacts, means including coiledcompression springs individual to the respective actuating elements andcontactors for eiiecting such movements of the latter with a snapaction, and said oscillatable lever beingalso movable in a differentplane from said intermediate position to a third extreme position toeffect completion of a diierent circuit, said last mentioned contactoralso having a coiled compression spring interposed between the same andthe actuating element associated therewith to insure circuit completingand interrupting movements thereof with a snap action.

ALVIN W. KRIEGER.

